Notice that as soon as something around you changes, you change in response to it. You respond all the time to your environment. A lot of the time you are completely aware of these changes. In Solution Focus we make this natural process of change work for us.*
Rayyya Ghul

 [I]f anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.**
Jesus of Nazareth

Margaret Mead would keep her hate mail and
use the anger she felt when rereading it in order
to regain her energy when tired;
She was using the letter-writer’s criticism and threat
for being an agent rather than victim.

Contrast this with a university student demanding safe space,
Effectively remaining a victim when
really they are less fragile than they know:
I was feeling bombarded by a lot of viewpoints
that really go against my dearly and closely held beliefs.^

Jesus’ words perhaps have the appearance of
encouraging victimisation,
But on closer examination, we see the victimised
taking the initiative and becoming an agent,
Calling out wrongdoing with goodness –
For instance, a Roman soldier demanding a Hebrew
carry their pack for one mile
would likely get into trouble if they accepted the
offer of a second mile.

Of goodness, Iris Murdoch writes:
[Good’s] existence is the unmistakable sign
that we are spirit creatures,
attracted by excellence and made for the good.^^

Agency uncovers talents,
Notices energies,
Reaches towards values …
Employing them for the good.

*Rayya Ghul’s The Power of the Next Small Step;
**Matthew 5:39b-41;
Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind;
^^Iris Murdoch’s The Sovereignty of Good.